Engineer Laboriously Crafts Espresso Machine, Fit for Design Gallery Display Over Three-Year Period
San Francisco-based company Fellow has entered the espresso arena with its latest offering, the Espresso Series 1, a prosumer-level machine designed for home espresso enthusiasts. With its advanced design, precise functionality, and innovative technology, the Series 1 stands out among its competitors.
The machine features a temperature-sensing steam wand that stops at the target temperature and purges itself after use, ensuring consistent and high-quality espresso shots. It also allows for granular control over every aspect of extraction for advanced users through an LCD interface and tactile control dial.
One of the key features that set the Series 1 apart is its pressure capability. The machine can generate up to nine bars of pressure, meeting the standard for quality espresso extraction, ensuring rich and balanced shots.
Fellow's approach often includes temperature control with fine increments, and the Series 1 is no exception. It offers precise temperature management with 0.5°F increments, making it easy for users to achieve the perfect espresso temperature.
The Series 1 also boasts a modern, user-friendly design. It measures 17.24" x 12.4" x 10.98" and weighs 21.7 lbs. The water capacity is 2.0 L with a removable tank, making it easy to refill and clean. The machine is available in three colorways: Black with aluminum accents, Cherry Red with walnut touchpoints, and Malted Chocolate with maple details.
The steam system of the Espresso Series 1 produces silky microfoam comparable to commercial machines in less time. This is due in part to the Boosted Boiler architecture, which combines three independent heating elements: a flow-through heater, a mini boiler, and an independently heated group head. This design offers temperature stability that rivals commercial machines, with a warm-up time of just two minutes.
The Boosted Boiler architecture also allows the machine to quickly switch between brewing and steaming functions to prevent milk-based drinks from getting cold. This feature, along with the adjustable steam wand, makes the Series 1 ideal for making a variety of milk-based drinks.
Compared to some other prosumer machines that might struggle with maintaining ideal brewing temperature or have noisier operation, Fellow’s machine emphasizes accuracy, precision, and reliability. The removable 2-liter water tank is easily accessible from the side, adding to the machine's user-friendly design.
The Espresso Series 1 is a competitively-priced machine in an industry where top-notch performance can typically cost several thousands of dollars. It is currently available to reserve at an early-bird price of $1,200, regularly retailing for $1,500. For home espresso enthusiasts looking to invest in high-end performance, the Fellow Espresso Series 1 is a strong contender.
The Fellow Espresso Series 1, with its advanced design, boasts a user-friendly style that incorporates home-and-garden elements, such as a removable 2-liter water tank. The machine's technology, like the Boosted Boiler architecture, ensures high-quality food-and-drink experiences, producing silky microfoam quickly and providing temperature stability for milk-based drinks. Despite its prosumer-level capabilities, the Series 1 is competitively priced, making it an affordable vice in a lifestyle focused on espresso.
